Bicycle rack installable in a pickup truck bed or trailer

Abstract

An improved, simple rack for the secure transport of bicycles and small motorcycles in the bed of a pickup truck or trailer without clamping, strapping or dissasembly of the cycle, and with minimal obstruction of the load-carrying bed floor, has individual cycle wheel receptacles with both fixed and spring-loaded wheel clamping brackets, that are secured to at least one rack rail assembly that is secured to opposite sides of the truck or trailer bed. In order to secure a cycle in the rack, a front or rear wheel of the cycle is lifted up and pushed into the wheel receptacle between the fixed and spring-loaded wheel clamping brackets. In order to unload the cycle, the wheel is pushed against the spring-loaded wheel clamping bracket, thereby releasing the wheel from the fixed wheel clamping bracket, and is, then, pulled upwardly from the wheel receptacle.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates, generally, to devices for securing and carrying bicycles and other wheeled devices to an automobile, pickup truck, or other vehicle for transport and, more particularly, to racks for securing and carrying bicycles within the bed of a pickup truck, trailer, or similar transporting vehicle.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Bicycles, motorcycles, and other wheeled recreational equipment are commonly transported in or on vehicles such as automobiles, pickup trucks, and trailers. Numerous racks and tie-down devices have been devised to secure these recreational vehicles during transport. Almost all of the prior-art carrying devices require clamping, strapping, or partial disassembly of a bicycle or recreational vehicle before it is transported. When such prior-art carrying devices are employed, considerable time and effort is required to load and unload bicycles and other such equipment. Many prior-art carrying devices have not been desi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides an improved rack that can safely transport bicycles, motor scooters, and small motorcycles in a pickup truck or trailer bed without obstructing the load-carrying bed floor. The rack has individual wheel receptacles with fixed and spring-loaded wheel clamping brackets that securely hold the cycle in place during transport. The unique design of the wheel receptacle accommodates various wheel diameters and widths without adjustments to the rack or cycle. The rack also has adjustable bracket assemblies that allow easy customization to fit different pickup truck bed or trailer sides. Overall, the improved rack facilitates secure and easy transport of various cycles using a pickup truck or trailer bed.

Problems solved by technology

In fact, the wheel cannot be released by only pulling up on the wheel.

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